NHS reforms vote of no confidence

GPs are set to present the Prime Minister with a vote of no confidence in the changes to the NHS which "they claim will result in NHS privatisation".

GPs are concerned that the changes will upset the balance of local practices and will leave them vulnerable to private buyers.

The British Medical Association is due to drop off a "save our surgery" petition to Downing Street.

Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA's GP committee, said: "The government has thrown away the goodwill of 45,000 doctors, which they will never get back."

"We believe these policies are wrong, unfair and will damage patient care."

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, said that GPs have lost their "faith" in how the government controlled and managed the NHS. Mr Clegg is due to present his own plans this week.

Health minister Lord Darzi is scheduled to publish his report on reforms for the health service at the end of June.

His suggestions, which include larger "super-surgeries", have been heavily criticised for "introducing competition to the bidding process".

GPs are worried that bidding by huge companies gives them an "unfair" advantage.

The government has said the BMA are exaggerating the new proposals. A Department of Health spokesperson said they wanted to offer more choice and added "we have no desire to see successful, high-quality GP practices close."